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Tunnel bids are in; environmental impact study now online

Two pre-qualified joint venture teams submitted their proposed bids Thursday on the planned deep-bore tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Gov. Gregoire is expected to announce Friday morning whether the proposals meet the contract price limit and what the next steps are in the design-build competition. A press conference is scheduled at 10 a.m.

The state estimated the cost of digging the 54-foot diameter tunnel — the largest deep-bore tunnel yet in the world — at about $1.1 billion. But due the risks involved in tunneling through Seattle’s glacial soils and the fact that this will be the largest highway tunnel yet built, many fear the project could cost more. The budget for the entire tunnel project is about $1.96 billion.

A 45-day public comment period runs from Oct. 29 to Dec. 13, according to WSDOT. For more information on public hearings relating to the project, click here.

The entire Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project, including construction of a highway to replace the south end of the viaduct, a new seawall, and a new waterfront, is expected to cost about $4.2 billion.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.